Members Present: Mayor-Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor-Rod Anderson, Councillor-Todd Dowd, Councillor-Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor-Aman Sohrab
Staff Present: Clerk-Alexandra Croce, Deputy Clerk-Lindsay Forbes, Public Works Manager-Troy Cameron, Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer-Carol Hopkins, Parks and Facilities Manager-Mark Coleman, Committee/Planning Coordinator-Bob Stewart, Chief Building Official-Emily McDougall
Others Present: Ministry of Natural Resources, Technical Specialist – Kassidy Gregg, Ministry of Natural Resources, Resource Management Coordinator – Jaclynn Gowan, Ministry of Natural Resources, District Manager – John Almond
1. Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
a. Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
2. Approval of the Agenda
a. Approval of the Agenda
#09-01-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
3. Adoption of the Minutes
a. Re: Council Meeting No. 26-08, March 23, 2026
#09-02-2026
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 26-08, March 23, 2026, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
4. Public Meeting – Nil.
5. Delegation
a. Ministry of Natural Resources – Integrated Resource Management Technical Specialist, Kassidy Gregg, Resource Management Coordinator, Jaclynn Gowan, District Supervisor, Tracy Allison, and District Manager, John Almond
Re: Black Bear Management
Mayor, Milt McIver welcomed the representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources to the Council Meeting.
Integrated Resource Management Technical Specialist Kassidy Gregg responded to questions previously asked by the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula regarding black bear population data, monitoring periods, management resources and protocols, and available funding opportunities.
Council asked whether the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) works with Parks Canada and other conservation groups on management resources and protocols.
Ms. Gregg noted that the Ministry works with Parks Canada, community groups, and other conservation authorities on outreach and education.
Council asked if the MNR has observed the implementation of recommended management practices.
Discussion took place regarding recommended practices to reduce human–black bear conflict, including minimizing attractants such as bird feeders and garbage, and promoting public education on proper waste management.
Council asked about the availability of education materials.
Ms. Gregg advised that the MNR’s Bear Wise Program website has information regarding best practices and additional resources for residents.
Council asked about the current black bear population.
Ms. Gregg stated that the 2022 population estimate was approximately 270 bears; however, the population is believed to be increasing.
Council further asked what would be considered a healthy bear population for the Municipality.
Ms. Gregg advised that, given the size of the area, a population of approximately 400 bears would be considered “not at risk”.
Council asked about recommended practices to help manage bear-related impacts during the anticipated closure of the St. Edmunds Landfill and the transition to a new recycling program.
District Manager John Almond advised that the MNR Owen Sound office could provide potential options to support municipal staff.
Council requested information from the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding how old-growth forests may impact black bear food sources.
Council thanked the representatives from the MNR for their presentation.
6. Consideration of Agenda Items
a. Clerk Report No. C 26-11
Re: AMPS Cost Analysis Information Report
Clerk, Alexandra Croce, provided an overview of Clerk Report No. C 26-11 Re: AMPS Cost Analysis Information Report, highlighting the cost analysis between the Provincial Offences Act (POA) and the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).
Council asked about the differences between the two systems.
Chief Bylaw Officer, Carol Hopkins advised that utilizing AMPS allows the municipality to retain the entirety of the fine, where-as a percentage of the fine is taken by the court to cover administrative expenses under the POA.
#09-03-2026
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives report C26-11 – AMPS Cost Analysis Information Report for information; and
That Council directs staff to bring forward:
1. A by-law to establish an AMPS for the Municipality regarding non-parking offences;
2. A by-law to establish policies for AMPS; and
3. A by-law to appoint Rutherford Prosecutions as the Municipality’s AMPS hearing and screening officer at a subsequent Council meeting.
Carried
7. Other Business – Nil.
8. Correspondence –
Requiring Council Direction
a. Chi-Cheemaun Festival Committee
Re: Request for designation of Municipally significant event
#09-04-2026
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council designates the Chi-Cheemaun Festival Weekend, to be held on June 11, 12, 13, & 14, 2026 an event of municipal significance.
Carried
b. Nor’ths of the Checkerboard Hockey Club
Re: Request for designation of Municipally significant event
#09-05-2026
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council designates the Bruce Birthday Bash, to be held on June 6, 2026 an event of municipal significance.
Carried
9. Correspondence –
for Information
a. Debbie Myles
Re: Sale of Shore Road Allowances
b. MPP Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound – Paul Vickers
Re: 2026-2027 Provincial Budget
c. Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board
Re: February 24, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Council asked whether the Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board will be addressing traffic incidents on Highway 6.
Board representative, Councillor Dowd, advised that he would bring this forward at the next meeting.
#09-06-2026
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the correspondence items a, b, and c, be received as information and printed and circulated.
Carried
10. Closed Session – Nil.
11. Reading of By-laws
a. By-law 2026-32
Being a By-law to Manage and Regulate Parks and Recreation Facilities within the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
b. By-law 2026-33
Being A By-Law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on April 13, 2026.
#09-07-2026
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
12. Adjournment
a. Motion to Adjourn
#09-08-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the meeting adjourns at 1:45 p.m.
Carried
Original signed by Mayor, Milt McIver and Clerk, Alexandra Croce
